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Tadcaster Grammar was founded in 1557 by Owen Oglethorpe, Bishop of Carlisle.

It is now a comprehensive catering for 1,600 pupils aged 11 to 18.

In his letter to parents, Mr Sibley warns children will miss out unless extra cash is found.

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Tadcaster Grammar's headmaster Martyn Sibley

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It is understood the school must find an extra £1,100 per teacher from April

As a consequence we are taking the unprecedented step of consulting with parents about their views on raising additional income through voluntary parental contributions

Mr Sibley

He said: “There are further and very significant rises in costs for this academic year which have put even greater pressure on school budgets. The impact of these financial constraints will inevitably affect schools’ capacity to maintain current service.

“As a consequence we are taking the unprecedented step of consulting with parents about their views on raising additional income through voluntary parental contributions.”

He suggests £5 to £50 a month, with an extra £2.50 to £10 for art and technology equipment and £10 to £15 for new laptops.

If all parents agreed to pay the £75 maximum the school would get £1.35million a year.

ROSS PARRY

If all parents agreed to pay the £75 maximum the school would get £1.35million a year

Russell Hobby, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, said the situation in Tadcaster highlighted the “difficult decisions” schools face.

Mr Hobby said: “They are increasingly having to come up with creative ways to address shortfalls. Money coming in is not keeping up with expenditure.”

The Department for Education said schools had to make clear there was no obligation to pay.